On the right track

There's no question that political shock waves emanated throughout the state Capitol last week over a high-speed rail bill.

The Record

There's no question that political shock waves emanated throughout the state Capitol last week over a high-speed rail bill.

There had been a standoff.

On one side was Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, as powerful a figure as there is in state politics, who had pledged steadfastly to veto any bill coming across his desk until legislators finally - belatedly - passed a budget.

On the other was Cathleen Galgiani, D-Livingston, a first-term assemblywoman and Stockton native who wrote the bill that included provisions for funding to improve existing rail passenger service on the Altamont Pass corridor.

The deadlock appeared impenetrable. But then the governor relented.

Schwarzenegger prudently signed several bills, including the $9.9 billion high-speed rail bond so it can go before voters in November.

But this isn't all about politics. It's also about Californians and their future transportation needs.

Gas is $4 a gallon. It's becoming more vital that we not only discuss alternative modes of transportation but make some of them happen.

There's no certainty what voters will say in November, but this at least provides an opportunity to plan.

"I commend the California Legislature and Gov. Schwarzenegger for their willingness to place the highest priority on bringing a high-speed train system to California," said Judge Quentin Kopp, chairman of the High Speed Rail Authority. "Assembly member Cathleen Galgiani's tenaciousness and skill kept AB3034 alive, to the benefit of every Californian. And Gov. Schwarzenegger's leadership has ensured that unprecedented economic safeguards will guide the construction of a vitally needed transportation alternative."

Added Galgiani: "The high-speed rail bill will put California's economy on the fast track to economic recovery by creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and ensuring accountability and oversight of state transportation dollars."

"This November, Californians will now be able to vote on a high-speed train system grounded in public-private financing and guided by fiscal accountability with the guarantee of no new taxes to fund the system," he said.

Galgiani's bill walks the tightrope of considering all Californians while also taking care of her district.

Northern San Joaquin Valley officials had maintained that the proposed "bullet train" from Los Angeles to San Francisco should cross into the Valley by way of the Altamont Pass. But rail officials ultimately opted to use the Pacheco Pass to the south.

Galgiani's bill, however, will ensure that there is "a commitment for Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto areas to be served into the future," said Andy Chesley, director of the San Joaquin Council of Governments.

It's going to be a long time - think decades, not years - before you'll be able to hop onto a bullet train and speed to Southern California. But last week's maneuvers and compromises give renewed hope to the concept.

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